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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Minerals: Production

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Department for Business and Trade's press release entitled UK to secure critical minerals boosting economic resilience and cutting reliance on imports, published on 22 June 2026, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of domestic processing capacity for critical minerals.

Answer

In 2025, DBT commissioned the Frazer Nash Consultancy, Materials Processing Institute and the Critical Minerals Association to produce an independent report identifying the UK’s capabilities, challenges and opportunities in critical minerals midstream processing and recycling. DBT has used this evidence base, alongside recent analysis and industry engagement, to design the new £50m programme.

The report found that the UK possesses credible, growing capabilities in midstream processing and recycling, supported by strong research, innovation and industrial expertise. The report listed a range of policy recommendations, which informed development of the 2025 UK Critical Minerals Strategy including the £50m programme.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15892
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Manufacturing industries Minerals Production
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk